Lana Grossa Cardigan Knitting Pattern

Lana Grossa Cardigan in Romanza Cotone

What is Being Made

This is a classic cardigan pattern designed as part of the Linea Pura collection by Lana Grossa. The cardigan features front button bands and is constructed in a structured, tailored silhouette suitable for everyday wear. The design is available in two size ranges: 36–40 and 42–46, allowing for multiple fit options.

Techniques Used

The Lana Grossa Cardigan in Romanza Cotone is constructed using bottom-up knitting methodology, meaning the garment is worked from the lower edges upward toward the shoulders. The pieces are worked flat on straight needles rather than in the round, creating individual front, back, and sleeve sections that are later seamed together. This traditional construction approach allows for precise shaping at the armholes and shoulders, and enables the incorporation of decorative front bands.

The cardigan features shoulder shaping achieved through strategic bind-offs at each shoulder edge, creating a structured neckline. Neck shaping is incorporated by binding off center stitches and decreasing at the neck edges to create a finished collar. The front bands are worked according to specific stitch charts, adding visual interest and a professional finishing detail to the button closures.

Stitches Used

The primary stitch pattern throughout the cardigan body is ribbed knit, specifically a K1, P1 rib (alternating knit and purl stitches). This classic rib pattern provides elasticity and structure to the garment, ensuring a comfortable fit that moves with the wearer. The rib stitch is worked consistently across the front, back, and sleeves for visual cohesion.

The front bands are worked according to stitch charts (designated as Chart A for the left front band and Chart B for the right front band), which provide row-by-row instructions for a decorative or textured band. Selvage stitches are incorporated on every row—the first stitch is slipped knitwise and the last stitch is knitted—to create clean, finished edges that are easier to seam together. The collar is continued in the established rib pattern for 8 centimeters before binding off.

Materials

The Lana Grossa Cardigan in Romanza Cotone requires 500 grams (550 grams for the larger size) of Lana Grossa Romanza Cotone yarn. This yarn is a premium blend composed of 54% cotton, 23% linen, and 23% viscose, offering breathability, drape, and a luxurious feel suitable for warm-weather layering. The yarn provides 135 meters per 50-gram ball, making it a worsted-weight yarn with good stitch definition.

The colorway options include Pink/Grey/Beige/Dark Grey/Yellow (referenced as color 1 in the pattern), providing versatile choices for different aesthetic preferences. Two needle sizes are required: size 3.5 mm needles for the initial cast-on and ribbed sections, and size 4 mm needles for the main body once the pattern is established. The needle size progression allows for a tighter, more elastic cuff and band areas while providing easier stitch work for the larger body sections.